Fires Brigade hosts pool party for local orphanage

By Jim CunninghamJuly 21, 2008

Orphans' Pool Party
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

USAG-CASEY - More than 90 children from Isaac House Orphanage visited Camp Hovey gym July 12 for a day of games, food and aquatic leisure at the invitation of Headquarters, Headquarters Battalion, 210th Fires Brigade.

"This pool party is something we try to do every year," said Maj. Joe Buccino, Fires Brigade commander. "We conduct different events ... tug of war, three legged race, balloon toss, water relay race, obstacle course, basketball, volleyball, dunking booth and swimming."

Traditionally, the pool party is the final event hosted by Fires Brigade for the Isaac House Orphanage, but this year they're planning a bowling party in August. Other units will host the orphanage for future events in the U.S. Army Garrison Casey enclave, Buccino explained. Christmas and New Year's parties will have different sponsors.

In preparing for the pool party, HHB broke some unusual records. "We sold hot dogs and hamburgers for three days and raised $1,723," Buccino said. "We took the money to purchase everything we needed for today's party. (We) broke the fund raising record for USAG-Casey."

Additional help was provided by members of the Dongducheon Volunteer Center, such as face painting, balloon animals and soap making; the HHB 210th Fires Brigade Family Readiness Group prepared the food, and supervised the three-legged race and water balloon toss; Soldiers from Fires Brigade assembled the inflatable obstacle course; and the Transportation Motor Pool volunteered three busses to bring the children from the orphanage to Camp Hovey.

"I want to thank all the Families and Soldiers of HHB for putting together a great event for these children," Buccino said. "I want to extend those thanks for everything they have done the entire year for the children of Isaac House Orphanage: the Halloween, Christmas and Easter parties. Our Soldiers and Families of HHB have devoted a lot of work and time to these events and they deserve recognition."

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